Warm Brie, tart cranberries, and toasted walnuts create an easy centerpiece with contrasting textures. Careful timing keeps the cheese soft and spoonable without turning oily.
Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Bake: 10 to 12 minutes
- Temperature: 350°F
- Yield: 8 appetizer servings
- Dish: Small oven-safe baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce wheel pasteurized Brie
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Check the Brie label for pasteurized milk when serving pregnant people, older adults, young children, or anyone with weakened immunity.
How to Bake Brie
- Heat: Set the oven to 350°F. Place the unwrapped Brie in a small oven-safe dish with the rind intact.
- Top: Mix cranberries, walnuts, honey, orange zest, and cinnamon. Spoon the mixture evenly over the wheel.
- Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The center should yield when gently pressed, but the rind should remain intact.
- Rest: Wait exactly 3 minutes before serving. This short rest helps the melted cheese stay on the dish.
- Serve: Offer immediately with apple slices, whole-grain crackers, or toasted bread. Use a clean serving spoon.
Doneness Checklist
- The center feels soft.
- The rind has not split widely.
- The topping smells toasted, not burned.
- The Brie rests for 3 minutes.
- A clean utensil is available.
For another savory cheese option, try our walnut and blue cheese bread, spinach artichoke dip, or cranberry apple butter.
Allergens and Food Safety
This appetizer contains milk and tree nuts. The FDA lists both as major allergens. Check every packaged label and prevent cross-contact when serving guests with allergies.
Refrigerate Brie at 40°F or below until preparation. The USDA two-hour rule applies after baking; reduce that limit to 1 hour when the surrounding temperature exceeds 90°F.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
- Use refrigerated leftovers within 3 days.
- Reheat only the portion being served.
- Discard food from a used communal plate.
Serving and Substitution Tips
Keep the rind on. It supports the softened interior and is edible. Cutting it away before baking encourages the cheese to spread across the dish.
Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly, then cool them before topping the Brie.
For less sweetness, reduce honey to 2 teaspoons. Do not replace dried cranberries with wet cranberry sauce, which can make the top watery.
Arrange crackers and fruit on a separate board rather than around the hot baking dish. This keeps crumbs out of the melted cheese and gives guests room to serve cleanly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare it ahead?
Mix the topping and refrigerate it separately for up to one day. Assemble immediately before baking.
How do I know the center is ready?
Press gently with the back of a spoon. It should feel soft while the rind still holds its shape.